It was the miniature designs that caught my attention at first, and then as I looked at the whole stall set-up I saw a collection of very different art. I hadn’t seen anything like this before so I had to stop and chat to the lovely lady who created these gorgeous artworks. It’s amazing what can be achieved on retirement and Shirley certainly seized the opportunity to do something creative – and look at what she’s created.

Shirley Yeates lived on a vineyard for a short while after her retirement in 2014 and each day as she walked around the property something caught her eye and sparked a flow of creative ideas that eventually became the start of a very creative retirement. Bark, lots of bark fallen from various beautiful Australian trees, each with different textures, colours, shapes and sizes – these were used to create artworks. The subject matter may not be so new but the style is quite clever and unique.

I can imagine Shirley’s studio (or creative nook) would house a huge collection of various bark pieces. Each will have the mark of a new design idea waiting for the artist’s hand to work its creation. What a wonderful way to use fallen pieces from nature to create such gorgeous artworks.

Shirley can transform tree bark into contemporary art … but I also think that tree bark has transformed Shirley’s retirement. This lovely lady with her framed art can be found at various markets around Melbourne; so if you would like to get up close and see for yourself first hand, visit her Facebookpage to check where and when she’ll be at craft markets. In the meantime, read all about Shirley’s work, browse through her photos, and enjoy what you see.

It’s a great feeling knowing there’s a great team of dedicated workers who are using their talents & skills and giving their time to build up a successful show. The Handmade Show committee members are workers, parents, artists and crafters (mostly a combination of each), yet they give their precious time to help organise and build up a boutique style market … to make a dream become reality; to give an opportunity to the exhibit & sell extraordinary creative works; to offer benefits to the community as a not-for-profit organisation.

This is not an easy task but it is an exciting one especially when you can see progress. Karen from MooBee Tees (and a committee member) says –

I’m proud to say that our baby is no longer crawling, and is now walking :0)

Eric Grohe creates amazing mural art designed to transform the environment and to endure for generations. He works in cooperation with architects, designers and community representatives to create these masterpieces. Eric believes that …

his art should involve, challenge and inspire the viewer; not simply adorn, but integrate with its architectural surroundings.

I would love to see this kind of work on some ofour drab old buildings in Melbourne’s CBD. Oh how it would lift them, brighten the city and the community. I would love to see this artwork replace most (or preferably all) the awful grafitti around here.There’s not much more I can say at the moment as I’m in awe of Eric’s magnificent work. But take a look for yourself at some of his work and see what you think –

Honoring Every Soul With Loving Service

Before –

After –

Niagara At The Mall

Before –

After –

Enriching A Brewing Heritage

Before –

After –

You can read more about Eric Grohe here. Want to see more of his amazing murals then check them out here.

Every project is a grand adventure,
if passion for the work and inspiration are your guides.

Eric Grohe, excerpt from lecture at
Columbus College of Art and Design